Police take down alligator made of cement

It became clear that something was amiss when two gunshots were immediately deflected

By PoliceOne Staff

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — When Missouri Police received a call about an alligator spotted near a pond in Independence, they turned to a state conservation agent for advice about how to address the situation, which isn't often on the agenda for a cop in their jurisdiction.

The agent, unsure of what else to do, suggested shooting the alligator, according to police spokesman Tom Gentry.

A resident thought an alligator was lurking in the weeds near a pond at a Independence, Mo., home. Independence police took quick action shooting the alligator in the head as instructed. It wasn't until a second rifle shot bounced off the reptile's head that the officers realized they had mortally wounded a concrete lawn ornament. (AP Photo)

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The officer took the advice, but it became clear that something was amiss when two gunshots were immediately deflected, bouncing right off the eye of the reptile.

The steadfast gator was actually made of cement, and in addition to alarming a civilian enough to warrant police involvement, the structure acted as both an ornamental piece and a creative "no trespassing" sign. Gentry said that the owner of the pondside property had strategically placed the sculpted animal "to keep children away."